V S The Golfers
Of The Year
G A
Mark
Lawrence Jr.
VSGA JUNIOR BOYS’ GOLFER OF THE YEAR
HOME CLUB: Hermitage Country Club | COLLEGE: Auburn University
QUICK TIP
Quite simply, sometimes it’s best to get
out of your own way on the course, at least
mentally, Lawrence said.
“[Most] people who play golf overthink
it,” he said. “The more you think about
how you’re going to execute a shot you can
get caught up in your own head … don’t
over-complicate it. Hit the shot you know
you are capable of hitting … don’t try to be
a superstar and overdo what you know you
probably cannot do.”
CHAMPIONSHIP MOMENT
In his semifinal match in the Junior
Match Play, he and opponent Brandon
Weaver had produced a birdie fest.
“I had it about 12 feet for birdie on the
last hole,” he said. “I knew I had to make it
because he had about 8 feet to extend the
match. I made it. It was one of the better
putts I made all summer.”
In the Junior Stroke Play, after beginning
the final round with a five-stroke lead, he led
by one going to 18 following a birdie at 17.
“I walked up to the tee (on 18), didn’t
take any time, just pulled out my driver
like I had all three days,” Lawrence said. “It
was a really aggressive shot because if you
miss it you can get in a lot of trouble, and I
just striped it down the middle.” He hit his
second shot to 3 feet from the cup “to seal
the deal which was really, really exciting
and it felt great to finally get that done.”
OFF THE COURSE
Lawrence is following a strict workout
regimen for the Tigers’ golf team.
“It’s just busy down here,” he said. “But
I try to attend as many football games as I
can. It’s a great environment. The basketball games are pretty sweet. We’ve got an
awesome rec center.”
2015 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
» Selected VSGA Junior Boys Golfer of
the Year for third straight season.
» Won VSGA Junior Match Play
Championship for third year in a row.
Lawrence, now 19, defeated Tom
Crow of Virginia Beach 2 and 1 in B